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An Open Trial in the NHS of Blues Begone®: A New Home Based Computerized CBT Program

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 August 2009

David G. Purves ,
Mary Bennett  and
Nigel Wellman
David G. Purves*
Affiliation:
London Metropolitan University, UK
Mary Bennett
Affiliation:
Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, UK
Nigel Wellman
Affiliation:
Thames Valley University, London, UK
*
Reprint requests to David G. Purves, Psychology Department, London Metropolitan University, Calcutta House, Old Castle Street, London E1 7NT, UK. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background: Computer based treatment for depression and anxiety has been available for several years and has demonstrated useful clinical effects. Most existing computerized CBT products in the UK that are designed to treat depression and co-morbid anxiety require patients to visit a clinic and require staff input to manage the process. Such intervention adds to the costs and bottlenecks in delivering a clinically effective treatment with mass availability. Internet treatment options are becoming more readily available, although data to support use are not yet strong, and most still require human assessment and telephone support. Blues Begone® is a new computerized CBT program that has been designed to be used at home with minimal human support. Method: This pilot project provides data from an open trial of Blues Begone® with both primary and secondary care patients. Results: One hundred patients started Blues Begone®, 58 completed the program, 72% (n = 42) of completers achieved reliable change and (n = 36) 62% achieved both reliable and clinically significant change, and may be considered to have recovered by the end of the program. Conclusion: These data provide the first demonstration of the potential viability of Blues Begone® as a home based computerized treatment for depression and anxiety.

Keywords

Self-helpCCBTprimary caredepressionanxiety
Type
Research Article
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 37 , Issue 5 , October 2009 , pp. 541 - 551
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2009

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